International SIM, eSIM or roaming pack: what Indian travellers should use abroad
By Ganesh ·
How Indian travellers can get mobile data abroad: an Indian roaming pack, a local SIM, or a travel eSIM. What each costs roughly, which phones support eSIM, and how to keep getting bank OTPs on your Indian number.
For most trips abroad, a travel eSIM gives you the cheapest data with the least hassle. You buy it online before you fly, scan a QR code, and it starts working when you land. Keep your Indian SIM in the phone as well, with roaming on for SMS only, so bank OTPs still reach you. An Indian roaming pack is simplest but usually costs more. A local SIM bought at the airport is cheapest for long stays.
The three options
| Option | Rough cost for a week (₹, approx.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian roaming pack (Airtel, Jio, Vi) | 2,000-6,000 | Same number, calls and SMS work, nothing to set up | Data allowance often small, pricier per GB |
| Travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, Saily and others) | 600-2,500 | Cheap, buy before you go, keep your Indian SIM active | Data only, usually no local number; phone must support eSIM |
| Local SIM at the destination | 500-2,000 | Cheapest per GB, local number for calls and deliveries | Queue at the airport, passport registration, uses your SIM slot |
Does your phone support eSIM?
Most recent iPhones (XR and later), Google Pixels and Samsung Galaxy S and Z phones support eSIM. Many mid-range Android phones sold in India don't. Check in Settings under SIM or Mobile network for an "Add eSIM" option, or check the manufacturer's spec page. Phones bought in India are usually unlocked, which you need for any foreign SIM or eSIM.
Setting up a travel eSIM
- Buy a plan for your country or region a few days before you fly. Regional plans (Europe, Southeast Asia) suit multi-country trips.
- Install it at home on Wi-Fi by scanning the QR code, but leave it switched off.
- When you land, turn on the eSIM, set it as the line for mobile data and turn on data roaming for that eSIM.
- Leave your Indian SIM on for calls and SMS, with its data off so you don't run up roaming charges.
Keeping bank OTPs working
- Most Indian banks send OTPs by SMS to your registered number. Make sure your Indian SIM can receive SMS abroad. Some operators need international roaming switched on even for incoming SMS, so check with yours before you leave.
- Turn on in-app approvals for your bank and card apps where possible, so you're not relying on SMS alone.
- Enable international usage on your debit and credit cards before you travel; it's often off by default.
Country notes
- Some countries require passport registration for local SIMs, so expect to show it at the shop.
- In mainland China, many Western apps and sites are blocked on local networks. Travel eSIMs and Indian roaming usually route data abroad, which gets around this. Check the plan details before buying.
- In the UAE, voice calls on WhatsApp and some other apps are restricted on local networks.
Questions people ask
Can I make WhatsApp calls on a data-only eSIM?
Yes, in most countries. WhatsApp stays linked to your Indian number even when data comes from the eSIM.
How much data do I need?
For maps, messaging and some photos, about 1 GB a day is plenty. Video calls and streaming use much more.
Is airport Wi-Fi enough?
It's fine for the first hour, but you'll want data for maps, ride apps and translation once you're out on the street.
Photo: Formats de cartes SIM by Bidouille82, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
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